Laboratory Technician - Sustainable Constructions

Imerys•Johns Creek, GA

About The Position

The Laboratory Technician in the Sustainable Construction S&T team supports Research & Development departments in formulating, applying, and testing liquid paints, powder coatings, and specialty finishes. This role involves adaptive laboratory method development for specific customer applications, precise analytical testing, preparation of lab-scale batches across different mediums, and verifying products against industry and customer specifications. The technician assists chemists, scientists, and engineers with coating formulation development and modification; prepares and applies coatings to a range of substrates; conducts wet-state, cured-film, chemical, and environmental testing; and maintains laboratory equipment and records. The role requires adherence to 5S principles and Environmental Health and Safety requirements, including proper chemical handling and use of required protective equipment.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree or associate degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science, Materials Science, or a similar area of study.
0–3 years of laboratory experience.
Ability to adapt quickly among testing methods, customer projects, and formulation challenges involving liquid and powder technologies.
Strong understanding of fundamental chemistry, particularly polymer chemistry, cross-linking mechanisms, and physical chemistry.
Ability to interpret data, troubleshoot formulation issues, and apply the scientific method to solve problems.
High precision in measuring chemicals and recording test results.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to stand for extended periods and perform repetitive tasks.
Ability to occasionally lift and move materials weighing approximately 40 pounds.
Comfort working around chemical odors, solvents, fine dust, and varying temperatures from curing ovens.
Comfort wearing respirators and other protective gear as required.

Nice To Haves

Hands-on, non-routine project laboratory experience rather than routine assay testing.
Prior experience in the paints, resins, or coatings industry.

Responsibilities

Participate in developing, adapting, and validating laboratory testing procedures for customer applications and changing project needs.
Perform wet-state or uncured testing, including viscosity, density, fineness of grind, gel time, flow, and particle size analysis.
Conduct physical and mechanical testing on cured films, including thickness, gloss, color matching, adhesion, impact resistance, flexibility, and hardness.
Assist with chemical and environmental resistance testing, such as salt spray corrosion, humidity, MEK solvent rubs, and UV weathering.
Assist chemists, scientists, and engineers in developing and modifying liquid and powder coating formulations.
Prepare lab-scale powder coating batches through weighing, pre-mixing, extrusion, and grinding or milling, and prepare liquid coating batches using dispersers, bead mills, and mechanical stirrers.
Measure and handle raw materials, including solvents, resins, pigments, curing agents, and additives.
Apply coatings to substrates using appropriate equipment and methods, including electrostatic powder spray equipment, liquid spray guns, drawdown bars, or dip coating.
Prepare test panels by cleaning, sanding, or chemically treating surfaces.
Monitor and record drying and curing times; operate laboratory baking ovens for powder or thermoset coatings and monitor ambient cures for air-dry liquid systems.
Maintain a clean, organized, and efficient workspace according to 5S principles and safety requirements.
Calibrate, clean, and perform routine maintenance on laboratory instruments and application equipment.
Follow EHS guidelines for hazardous chemicals, flammable liquids, airborne particulates, disposal, and PPE use.
Record experimental data, observations, and test results in LIMS or laboratory notebooks.
Analyze test data, identify trends, troubleshoot formulation issues, and recommend adjustments.
Draft technical reports and standard operating procedures for internal stakeholders.